Stephen Dolph, NISE REU

We began the week by modifying one of the robot’s interfaces for the seated position.  The goal was to make the robot more compact and easier to control.  This included changing the controller and modifying the structure of the user interface.  Because this task is complete, we will begin programming new control systems while we wait for more parts to be delivered.

This week will we be designing prototype interfaces using optical mice.  We also hope to build, program, and test some of the designs.  We will complete the stability attachment for the robot this week as well as construct and adjustable base for the infants.

Training for the mill and lathe will take place this Thursday and Friday.  This will allow us to machine nearly anything we would need for the project.

On Friday, we presented our initial research of possible sensors that will be used for the user interface on our project.  We will now investigate the feasibility of each sensor based on its safety, compatibility with the mobile devices we will be using, the applicable errors, and cost.  Also, a few more suggestion for sensors were proposed; we will also investigate them as possible solutions.

In addition to our presentation, we also attended four presentations given by highschool researcher working on the same project.  The information they presented offered more design constraints such as detailed developmental milestones of children in the first five years of life and a more in depth look at social interaction.

Monday and Tuesday, we spent our time independently learning C++ and studying current algorithms used in the robotic system.  We also researched several ideas on user interfaces with the robot.  This included exploration of disability specific needs and investigation of optimal postures.  Research was somewhat slow since we did not have one distinct problem to solve, but a somewhat vague and open-ended design problem.

After two group meeting, we have been assigned a set of design criteria.  Tomorrow we will propose our initial ideas.  This include design for stability and user interface.   I am excited about the different sensors we will incorporate into our design.  Also, our problem has been greatly simplified as we now have set goals accompanied by a feasible timeline.

Goals of Week 2

• Modify the current design of the robot to accommodate a three year old.  The seat and controller need to be raised and the controller needs to be brought forward before any testing can take place.
• Continue research and design of new mobility concepts.  Specifically development of drawings of future designs
• Observe and aid robot training training
• If possible, become acquainted with the machine shop in Spencer Hall
• Meet with the other two undergraduate researchers
• Participate in ethics training.

How to Accomplish Goals

• Measure the dimensions of the seat of a three-year-old’s outdoor mobility device and construct the seat based off these dimensions.
• Construct a narrow mount for the three-year-old’s controller for the mobility device.  The mount should be adjustable.
• Follow instructions from graduate researchers when training the three-year-old at the ELC
• Inquire how to receive machine shop training
• Schedule and appointment with the other two undergraduate researchers
• Attend the ethics training sessions

Accomplishments of the Week

• Successfully constructed a platform for the mobility device meet the requirements of the three-year-old.  Not only is it functional, but it is also child friendly; the platform is upholstered with foam and fleece.
• Observed and aided training at the ELC
• Met with the other undergraduates at the ELC
• Attended ethics training
• Signed up the machine shop training
• Continued design research and developed several new ideas
  

Goals of Week 1

• Become familiar with the ELC
• Identify Milestones of Infants
• Compare peer-to-peer interaction of mobility impaired preschoolers and walking preschoolers to peer-to-peer interactions of walking preschoolers with each other
• Compare student-teacher interaction of mobility impaired preschoolers to student-teacher interaction of walking students
• Identify correlation between differences in classroom atmosphere and differences in classroom layout
• Identify needs of a classroom to accommodate mobility devices
• Provide suggestions for improvement of ELC operations
• Become familiar with current mobility devices (commercial and University of Delaware devices)
• Begin brainstorming needs and concepts for mobility devices for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers

How to Accomplish Goals

• Interact with staff at the ELC
• Research milestones of infants’ first 12 months at University of Delaware Library and online
• Observe infants, toddlers, and preschoolers both in classrooms and at recess
• Look at the UD1 mobility devices
• Look at students wheelchairs
• Research mobility devices at University of Delaware Library and online

Accomplishments of the Week

• Familiarity with ELC
• Some familiarity with University of Delaware Campus
• Identification of infant milestones at the ELC
• Identified good attributes and room for improvement in current mobility devices
• Identified good attributes and room for improvement in current classroom setup, peer-to-peer interactions, and teacher student interactions
• Began brainstorming concepts for mobility devices